75% of execs prefer chronological resumes from job seekers

When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, a "top-down" approach is still employers' favorite, a recent survey confirms. Three out of four (75 percent) hiring managers interviewed said they prefer a chronological resume with the most recent work history first over those organized by job function and skills. The responses from employers were little changed from 10 years ago when the same question was asked.

The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with 150 senior executives from the nation's 1,000 largest companies.

Senior executives were asked, "Do you prefer to receive a resume written in a chronological format that is organized by dates of employment, or one in a functional format that is organized by skills?" Their responses:

  Chronological .................................   75%
  Functional ....................................   17%
  No preference .................................    8%
                                                   ----
                                                   100%

"Chronological resumes allow job seekers to present their career progression to prospective employers in a straightforward, easy-to-follow way," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies , 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). "Functional resumes, which emphasize skill sets rather than jobs held, are popular among professionals in career transition or who have had lengthy gaps in employment, but they are not a favorite of employers. It is often better to address a career challenge directly than try to write around it."

Messmer added, "Whichever format a job hopeful chooses, information contained in the resume needs to be clear and provide a compelling story about his or her work experience and abilities."

Accountemps offers advice for avoiding the following common resume hurdles:

  --  Employment gaps. Offer a brief explanation of employment gaps in your
      cover letter. In this economic environment, hiring managers understand
      people could be out of work through no fault of their own.
  --  Limited work history. Bolster your work experience through
      internships, part-time work or temporary assignments obtained through
      a reputable staffing firm. Don't forget to include relevant volunteer
      activities in the work experience section of your resume.
  --  Appearing overqualified. Provide a summary of pertinent skills and
      strengths at the top of your resume, in addition to a chronological
      listing of your work experience. Emphasize and quantify how you've
      contributed to bottom-line success in previous jobs and how that
      experience would apply to a prospective employer's needs.

  --  Desire for a career change. Highlight your accomplishments and skills
      that would best transfer to the new industry. Make sure to enlist the
      help of your network of friends, former colleagues and mentors who can
      recommend you for job openings in the field.